Housing for air machine having drain holes

ABSTRACT

A housing for use in an air machine includes a housing body for housing at least one rotor. The housing body has at least one conduit for connection to a connecting conduit. The conduit has a drain hole adjacent an end of the conduit. The drain hole is formed at an angle relative to a plane made perpendicular to a center axis of said conduit. An air machine, an air machine assembly and a method are also disclosed.

BACKGROUND

This application relates to a housing for an air machine, wherein drain holes are provided to drain accumulated water.

Air machines are known and are utilized to supply air for various uses on aircraft. In one known air machine, compressed air from another system on the aircraft is delivered to a compressor section on the air machine. The air is further compressed and then delivered across to a first stage turbine and then a second stage turbine.

Since the air machines are mounted on an aircraft, space is at a premium. The “plumbing” associated with the air machine, including its housing, associated heat exchangers, and connecting conduits, are all tightly packed and communicate within a small space.

Within the air machines, there are a number of locations in which water, and in particular, water having drained from the heat exchangers, may accumulate. When this accumulated water is ingested into the rotors, various operational concerns are raised. As an example, the compressor may experience surge conditions due to the water. Water is also undesirable in the turbines.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

A housing for use in an air machine includes a housing body for housing at least one rotor. The housing body has at least one conduit for connection to a connecting conduit. The conduit has a drain hole adjacent an end of the conduit. The drain hole is formed at an angle relative to a plane made perpendicular to a center axis of said conduit.

An air machine, an air machine assembly, and a method are also disclosed.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view of an example air machine.

FIG. 2A is a vertically lower view of a combined air machine assembly.

FIG. 2B is a view looking vertically downwardly on the FIG. 2A assembly.

FIG. 3 is a view of a turbine housing associated with the air machine.

FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view along lines 4-4 of FIG. 3.

FIG. 5A is a view along the circled area 5 of FIG. 3.

FIG. 5B is an enlarged portion of the area shown in FIG. 5A.

FIG. 6 is a view of a compressor housing.

FIG. 7A is a cross-sectional view through a portion of the FIG. 6 housing.

FIG. 7B is an enlarged view of the FIG. 7A structure.

FIG. 7C shows the FIGS. 7A and 7B structure in an assembled position.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

An air machine 20 is illustrated in FIG. 1, having a fan 22 moving air. A compressor 24 receives compressed air in a compressor inlet 25 from another compressor, and delivers that air through compressor outlet 39, and to a first stage turbine 26. The air then passes across a second stage turbine 28. The turbines 26 and 28 expand the compressed air, and drive the compressor 24 and fan 22.

A turbine housing 30 is illustrated that houses the two turbine stages 26 and 28. An outlet 34 of the first turbine 26 is formed within the housing 30 and communicates with an inlet 31 of a second turbine stage. As shown in dashed outline in FIG. 1, a conduit 32 is connected to the turbine inlet 31. A similar connection will be associated with the turbine outlet 34.

In addition, a compressor housing 38 houses the compressor rotor 24. Compressor housing 38 includes compressor outlet 39. A conduit 36 connects to the compressor outlet 39, and is shown in phantom in this view.

FIG. 2A shows an assembly 40 which combines two of the air machines 121 and 122 of FIG. 1. The turbine housing 30 and the compressor housing 38 are shown in this view. As shown, there are three locations 52, 51 and 53 wherein water may accumulate at the vertically lower positions. The water may typically drain from heat exchangers 150, which are mounted atop the combined system 40.

As shown in FIG. 2B, the combined system 40 has the air machines 121 and 122 mounted in vertically reversed positions. Thus, the area 53 associated with the machine 122 is at a vertically upper location 53 in the machine 121. Similarly, the areas 51 and 52 associated with machine 122 are in vertically upper locations. As such, the accumulation problems associated with areas 51, 52 and 53 of FIG. 2A are not a concern in the positions 53, 51 and 52 of FIG. 2B.

FIG. 3 shows an end view of the turbine housing 30. A conduit 34 is illustrated having an inner radius R₁. In one embodiment, R₁ was 2.120-2.130″ (5.384-5.410 cm). A cross-section 4-4 is taken through this conduit. The conduit 34 is formed in a flange 100, which is centered at an angle C from a line X. Line X is drawn perpendicular to a plane through another conduit 31 with line X passing through a center D of the main housing. The angle C is 31-36° in one embodiment. The cross-section 4-4 is taken at a vertically lower portion of the conduit 34 in the flange 100.

At the opposed end of the housing 30 is the conduit 31. Structure within a circle identified by the numeral 5 will be explained in detail below.

FIG. 4 is taken along line 4-4 and shows detail of the conduit 34. As shown, the conduit 34 has an enlarged portion 60 leading into a ledge 62, which then leads into a smaller portion 162 at an axial end of the conduit 34. As can be appreciated, this defines a well 59 in which water can accumulate. This is area 51 (see FIGS. 2A and 2B). Thus, a drain hole 64 is formed through the ledge 62. In addition, a second drain hole portion 66 is formed through an outer lip 163 of the smaller portion 162. The drain hole 64/66 has a diameter d₁. In one embodiment, d₁ was 0.074-0.082″ (0.187-0.208 cm). As shown, the drain hole 64/66 is generally parallel to an axis Y extending through the center of the conduit 34.

In embodiments, a ratio of R₁ to d₁ was between 25 and 29.

FIG. 5A shows details of the conduit 31. As shown, the conduit 31 is attached to another conduit 32 at this location. A drain hole 72 is formed through the conduit 31 to drain water from a potential sump area 71. This is the area of concern 52, as shown in FIG. 2A. The central bore in conduit 31 has a radius R₂. In one embodiment, R₂ was 2.400-2.460″ (6.096-6.248 cm).

FIG. 5B shows details of the drain hole 72. As shown, there is an outer countersunk bore having a diameter d₂, and inner smaller portion 82 having a diameter d₃. Smaller portion 82 extends to the outer surface and provides the actual drain. The drain hole 72 is cut at an angle A relative to a plane extending perpendicular through a central axis Z (see FIG. 5A) of the conduit 31. The angle A is 45° one embodiment. Angle A may be between 43 and 47° in embodiments.

In one embodiment, d₂ was 0.074-0.122″ (0.187-0.310 cm) and d₃ was 0.074-0.082″ (0.187-0.208 cm). In embodiments, a ratio of d₂ to d₃ is between 0.9 and 1.7, and a ratio of R₂ to d₂ was between 19.5 and 33.5.

FIG. 6 shows the compressor housing 38 and the conduit 39.

FIG. 7A is a cross-section through line 7-7 of FIG. 6. FIG. 7 illustrates a portion of the conduit 39, and shows an outer lip 88. The outer lip 88 receives a drain hole 100. As shown in FIG. 5B, the drain hole 100 is centered on an angle B relative to a plane drawn perpendicular to a central axis W of the conduit 39. Angle B is 20° in one embodiment. Angle B may be between 18 and 22° in embodiments of this invention.

As shown, the conduit 39 has a radius R₃ at an outer end. R₃ was 2.300-2.320″ (5.842-5.893 cm) in embodiments of this invention.

As shown in FIG. 7B, the drain hole 100 has an outer countersunk portion 98 of a diameter d₅. In one embodiment, d₅ was 0.074-0.132″ (0.188-0.335 cm). This countersunk portion extends partially into a chamfer portion 94 of the conduit lip 88. A portion of the countersunk portion 98 is also formed on an outer face 92 of the lip 88.

An inner drain portion 96 has a smaller diameter d₄. In one embodiment, d₄ was 0.074-0.082″ (0.187-0.208 cm). Drain portion 96 extends to the outer periphery of lip 88, and is the actual drain.

In embodiments, a ratio of R₃ to d₄ was between 28 and 31.5. A ratio of d₄ to d₅ was between 0.5 and 1.2.

FIG. 7C shows the conduit 39 attached to the conduit 36. As can be appreciated, there is a potential area 110 wherein water could accumulate and that water will drain outwardly of the drain hole 96. This is the area of concern 53 as shown in FIG. 2A.

As can be appreciated, the drain holes provided to drain water from the areas of concern 51, 52 and 53 will provide drainage in the locations shown in FIG. 2A. At the same time, within the machine 40, the areas 51, 52 and 53 shown in FIG. 2B will not raise a concern. Still, those areas are provided with drain holes such that the same components can be utilized for both orientations without unduly interfering with the operation of the machine or its efficiency. The drain holes have been designed, positioned and sized to minimize any concerns.

For purposes of interpreting the claims in this application, it should be understood that the specific dimensions would come with a margin of error for manufacturing tolerances, etc. This margin of error would be plus or minus 0.010″ (0.0254 cm). When interpreting the scope of any claims that may include a dimension, the margin of error should be taken into account.

In a method of replacing either housing 30 or 38, an existing housing is unbolted and removed from the air machine 20. The fluid connections are disconnected. Then, the new housing is brought in, and positioned around the associated rotor. The new housing is then attached to the air machine 20. Further, the fluid connections are reconnected to the new housing.

Embodiments of this invention have been disclosed, however a worker of ordinary skill in the art would recognize that certain modifications will come within the scope of this invention. For that reason, the following claims should be studied to determine the true scope and content of this invention. 

1. A housing for use in an air machine comprising: a housing body for housing at least one rotor, said housing body having at least one body conduit for connection to a connecting conduit, said body conduit having a drain hole adjacent an end of the body conduit, said drain hole being formed at an angle relative to a plane made perpendicular to a center axis of said body conduit.
 2. The housing as set forth in claim 1, wherein said housing body is for housing a compressor rotor, and a ratio of a radius of said body conduit at an outer end of said body conduit to a diameter of at least a portion of said drain hole is between 28 and 31.5.
 3. The housing as set forth in claim 2, wherein said angle is in a range of 18 to 22°.
 4. The housing as set forth in claim 3, wherein said drain hole is formed at an outer lip, said outer lip having a chamfer portion, and being the point where said radius is measured.
 5. The housing as set forth in claim 4, wherein said drain hole includes a countersunk outer portion which extends partially into said chamfer portion, and partially into a flat portion at the outer end of said lip, said countersunk portion being of a larger diameter than said at least a portion of said drain hole.
 6. The housing as set forth in claim 5, wherein a ratio of a diameter of said at least one portion of said drain hole to a diameter of said countersunk portion is between 0.5 and 1.2, and said at least one portion of said drain hole extending to an outer position on said outer lip, to provide the outlet for the drain hole.
 7. The housing as set forth in claim 1, wherein said body is for housing at least one turbine rotor.
 8. The housing as set forth in claim 5, wherein said angle is in a range of 43 to 47°.
 9. The housing as set forth in claim 8, previous wherein a ratio of a radius of the body conduit at the location of said drain hole to a largest diameter portion of said drain hole is between 19.5 and 33.5.
 10. The housing as set forth in claim 9, wherein there is a smaller diameter portion of said drain hole, said smaller diameter portion extending to the outer surface, and providing the ultimate drain, and a ratio of said largest diameter portion to said smaller diameter portion is between 0.9 and 1.7.
 11. The housing as set forth in claim 7, wherein said turbine housing also has a second conduit, said second conduit being provided with a second drain hole.
 12. The housing as set forth in claim 11, wherein said second housing drain hole being formed in an outer end of said second conduit, and said second drain hole extending along a generally parallel direction relative to a central axis of said second conduit.
 13. The housing as set forth in claim 12, wherein a ratio of a radius in a portion of said second conduit receiving said second drain hole to a diameter of said second drain hole being between 25 and
 29. 14. An air machine comprising: a compressor rotor, and a pair of turbine rotors, said turbine rotors driving said compressor rotor; a compressor housing, housing at least said compressor rotor; a turbine housing, housing said at least two turbine rotors; drain holes formed in both of said turbine housing and said compressor housing; and said drain holes being formed in a conduit in each of said turbine housing and said compressor housing, with said conduits each being connected to a connecting conduit, and said drain holes being formed at an angle relative to a plane made perpendicular to a central axis of each said conduit.
 15. The air machine as set forth in claim 14, wherein in said compressor housing, a ratio of a radius of said body conduit to a diameter of at least a portion of said drain hole is between 28 and 31.5.
 16. The air machine as set forth in claim 15, wherein said angle for said compressor housing is in a range of 18 to 22°.
 17. The air machine as set forth in claim 16, wherein said drain hole in said compressor housing is formed at an outer lip, said outer lip having a chamfer portion, and thus being enlarged relative to said radius.
 18. The air machine as set forth in claim 17, wherein said drain hole in said compressor housing includes a countersunk outer portion which extends partially into said chamfer portion, and partially into a flat portion at the outer end of said lip, said countersunk portion being of a larger diameter than said at least a portion of said drain hole.
 19. The air machine as set forth in claim 18, wherein in said turbine housing, said angle is in a range of 43 to 47°.
 20. The air machine as set forth in claim 19, wherein a ratio of a radius of the body conduit at the location of said drain hole in said turbine housing to a largest diameter portion of said drain hole is between 0.9 and 1.7.
 21. The air machine as set forth in claim 19, wherein said turbine housing also has a second conduit, said second conduit being provided with a second drain hole.
 22. The air machine as set forth in claim 21, wherein said second drain hole being formed in an outer end of said second conduit, and said second drain hole extending along a generally parallel direction relative to a central axis of said second conduit.
 23. An air machine assembly comprising: a first air machine mounted in a first orientation, a second air machine mounted in a second orientation, said first and second air machines having a compressor rotor, and a pair of turbine rotors, said turbine rotors driving said compressor rotor, a compressor housing, housing at least said compressor rotor, a turbine housing, housing said pair of turbine rotors, drain holes formed in both of said turbine housing and said compressor housing; and said drain holes being formed in a conduit in each of said turbine housing and said compressor housing, with said conduits each being connected to a connecting conduit, and said drain holes being formed at an angle relative to a plane made perpendicular to each said conduit.
 24. The air machine assembly as set forth in claim 23, wherein said drain hole associated with said turbine housing in one of said first and second air machines is positioned at a vertically upper location, and said drain hole in said turbine housing associated with the other of said first and second air machines is positioned at a vertically lower location, and said drain hole in the compressor housing of said one of said first of said air machines is at a vertically lower location, and said drain hole associated with said compressor housing of the other of said first and second air machines positioned at a vertically upper location.
 25. A method of replacing a housing in an air machine assembly comprising the steps of: a) inserting at least one of a compressor and turbine housing to surround a rotor in an air machine assembly; and b) attaching a conduit in said at least one of said compressor and turbine housing to a fluid connection, said conduit being formed with said drain holes in a conduit in said at least one of a compressor and turbine housing, and said drain holes being formed at an angle relative to a plane made perpendicular to a central axis of said conduit. 